Using Void Formers Bridge Construction: Benefits, Applications, and Best Practices

With the government’s pledge to add billions to the human settlements and infrastructure budget, focusing on roads and bridges will be a priority in connecting people with communities, towns, and cities. When this becomes a reality, void formers bridge construction will become indispensable solutions for enhancing structural integrity, reducing weight, and optimising costs while building these overpasses.

These formers, particularly those manufactured from corrugated steel, are engineered components offering superior performance in many bridge-building applications, making them the material of choice for construction companies and contractors. Today, the expert engineers at Armco Superlite investigate these vital volume savers.

 

Functions of Corrugated Steel Void Formers Bridge Construction

Void formers bridge construction are crucial in shaping efficient and long-lasting structures. These formers reduce dead weight without compromising strength, creating controlled cavities within concrete elements. This practice minimises the concrete required per section length, contributing to easier handling, reduced transportation costs, and lower material expenses.

Corrugated steel varieties are especially advantageous due to their lightweight yet durable design, high load-carrying capacity, and resistance to deformation under pressure. These formers are commonly used in box girders, bridge deck sheathing systems, and precast beams, providing a versatile solution that meets safety and design requirements.

 

5 Top Benefits of Corrugated Steel Formers

Corrugated steel formers offer many benefits for bridge construction projects, including:

  1. Weight Reduction: Significantly reduces the dead load of concrete structures, allowing for longer spans and less reinforcement.
  2. Cost Savings: Lower material costs and transportation expenses due to reduced concrete volume and lighter steel.
  3. Durability: Corrugated steel ensures a superior strength-to-weight ratio, delivering longevity and reliability in harsh African environments.
  4. Ease of Installation: Pre-formed shapes simplify on-site placement and alignment, accelerating construction schedules.
  5. Environmental Efficiency: Less concrete usage in the project reduces the carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.

These advantages make void formers bridge construction a practical and sustainable choice for modern construction companies, aligning with the increasing demand for green construction methods.

 

4 Popular Applications Across Bridge Building Projects

The versatility of these formers in bridge construction allows for their application in various structural elements. These include:

  1. Bridge Deck Sheathing: Corrugated formers create hollow sections in bridge decks for tensioning wires, providing a lighter yet stronger platform for vehicular loads.
  2. Precast and Cast-in-Place Beams: They enable the formation of complex beam profiles with reduced material use and significantly improved load distribution.
  3. Box Girders and Slab Systems: They’re ideal for forming internal cavities within large structural elements, improving efficiency and performance.
  4. Temporary or Permanent Formwork: Their durable form can remain in place or be removed after curing, offering flexibility for different engineering needs.

4 Best Practices for Using Construction Void Formers

To maximise the benefits of formers, specifically in bridge construction, contractors should follow these best practices:

  1. Material Selection: Choose galvanised corrugated steel formers for their superior strength, longevity, and adaptability.
  2. Quality Assurance: Only partner with reputable suppliers to ensure product consistency, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with industry standards.
  3. Proper Alignment and Support: Ensure your formers are securely positioned and supported during concrete pouring to maintain shape and placement.
  4. Surface Treatment: Select galvanised versions when permanence or durability are required in corrosive or humid environments.

We at Armco Superlite are globally renowned for our superior-quality, corrugated steel formers for most applications. Our products are trusted by leading consulting engineers and infrastructure developers across southern Africa for their reliability, innovation, and adherence to international standards.

 

Standard and Galvanised Steel Formers through Armco

Corrosion resistance is vital for longevity and durability in bridge construction, and galvanised construction void formers offer the highest level of protection.

At Armco Superlite, our advanced galvanisation processes ensure long-lasting performance with every product we manufacture. We proudly carry the SATAS hot-dip galvanising stamp of approval, a mark of excellence in quality and safety. We manufacture and supply standard and galvanised stockpile tunnels, culverts, and other critical infrastructure components throughout southern Africa. So, for the best quality void formers bridge construction across the continent, arm yourself with Armco today.